§ 48. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is aware that a number of British Servicemen and their families lost part or all of their possessions in a fire in a baggage store in Malta; what compensation and other arrangements have been made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerThere was a fire on 5th October in a civilian warehouse at the Commercial Quay in Grand Harbour operated by the National Cargo Handling Co., Malta. A magistrate's inquiry is currently looking into the cause of the fire. Among the goods destroyed or damaged were 13 cases of personal effects belonging to two civilian employees of the Meteorological Office and three Royal Navy personnel who had recently been posted to Malta. All Service and civilian personnel posted abroad are advised that the Ministry of Defence accepts no liability for the safe carriage of their property in transit, and they are recommended to make their own insurance arrangements.